The Detroit Free Press notes that convicted cadaver dealer Arthur Rathburn is pleading for compassionate release from prison citing fears of contracting the coronavirus — though the government calls it an act. Prosecutors noted in a court filing that Mr. Rathburn has refused to take a COVID-19 vaccine and does not follow social distancing [...]
People For the American Way reports that Sixth Circuit judge Amul Thapar, appointed by President Trump, cast the deciding vote to affirm the dismissal of a prisoner’s complaint that prison officials disregarded orders from Governor Whitmer and were deliberately indifferent to the extreme risk of contracting COVID-19 due to prison conditions. The article details [...]
The Detroit Free Press reports that Michigan's Attorney General has taken action against at least 50 prisoners to reimburse cost of care, as allowed under Michigan law. Many of these actions appear to be triggered by prisoners receiving federal government stimulus checks. One prisoner, Phil Brown, noted, "The amount of money that they're going [...]
The company that currently provides health care and pharmacy services for Michigan's 27 prisons says a competitor that's poised to take over the contract will "slash" staffing and bring "dramatic cuts to mental health services." Read more: https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-prison-healthcare-slashed-under-040000287.html
Experts say the global pandemic has made the transition from prison to outside life challenging for former prisoners. Low-wage jobs became scarce as industries shut down last year and services moved to online applications and delivery. Read more: https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/covid-raged-michigan-prisons-life-outside-isnt-easy-either-parolees
WILX reports that many Michigan corrections officers are not getting vaccinated. Some of this may be because so many prisoners and prison staff have already been infected that many do not see a need to get vaccinated. Read more: https://www.wilx.com/2021/03/29/corrections-officers-not-getting-vaccinated-as-prison-case-numbers-rising/
After a year of no in-person connection because of the coronavirus pandemic, Michigan prisoners and their loved ones will be allowed to resume visits later this month. But the process will look different as the Michigan Department of Corrections implements precautions to try to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Read more: https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2021/03/12/michigan-prison-visits-reusme-coronavirus-covid/4663360001/
A growing number of pregnant individuals are being sentenced to serve time in prison. Advocates met as a panel discussion focused on the need to significantly change life for pregnant people in prison. Read more: https://www.michiganadvance.com/2021/03/03/reforms-needed-for-pregnant-people-in-prison-advocates-say/
Cases of the B.1.1.7 coronavirus variant inside Michigan's prison system have more than tripled since an outbreak at a prison facility in Ionia last week. Michigan ranks second nationally for the highest number of B.1.1.7 variant cases, behind Florida, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This variant is considered [...]
Respiratory particles containing the coronavirus can linger in the air for hours after leaving a host. To help combat this, a new device is being installed at some southeast Michigan jail facilities. Twenty-two machines purchased by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office are built to filter and kill viruses though heat and filters. The goal is [...]
